The Kite

We facilitate storytelling classes behind bars and give platform to our students’ voices by hosting open-mics and publishing their work in a zine.

Writing is freedom…

“We write to contemplate on what we’ve been through because it sharpens focus on where we’d like to go.”—-Gigi Blanchard, ED

There is healing in sharing our stories. We strive to create a safe space on the inside where students can open up about the painful things that are often bottled up until they explode. Listening is a significant part of our job.

Our re-entry efforts include a networking behind bars series where we bring professionals to talk to students about how they broke into their fields. Mentorships created behind bars continue once the students return to the community.

750+

Over 750 books donated

With the community’s help, we’ve brought hundreds of novels, memoirs, YA, poetry and self-help books to our people on lockdown.

250+

250 Journals Donated

The average commissary sells notebooks for triple the price. All students receive a journal so that they can use their $ to buy sustenance for the body while we provide sustenance for the mind.

8,318+

New York’s Daily Jail Pop

Combined with hundreds more youth in the various detention centers. We have a lot of work to do!

Involved in the justice system?

Submit Writing

We would love to hear your stories whether you’ve been incarcerated, worked in the system or are related to someone involved. Send work to info@thekitezine.org or mail to P.O. BOX 210325 Brooklyn, NY 11221.

OPEN-MICS

Are you a musician, DJ, MC, Storyteller or spoken word artist? We invite pros to perform along side our student and to attend classes throughout the critique process. Hit us up! info@thekitezine.org

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October 2017

In jail, people like to use your past against you but there’s healing power in sharing our truths. Nobody can use what I went through as a weapon now. -T.S. on Rikers Island